Kenaf Fibers and Composites

Kenaf fiber is gaining attention as an alternative reinforcement for composite products due to low cost, reduced environmental impact, and attractive mechanical properties. Kenaf Fibers and Composites covers the breadth of these exciting materials, from raw material preparation to application in a variety of products. It discusses fiber characterization and properties, how to prepare kenaf-based composites, and design, manufacturing, and applications. It also covers hybrid fiber composites, kenaf fiber thermosetting composites, kenaf fiber thermoplastic composites, kenaf fibers in various lengths, and forms and arrangements such as particulates, continuous roving, and woven fabrics. Cellulose-based kenaf composites and kenaf fiber-filled biopolymer composites are presented.

1. Natural Fiber Composites: Challenges and Opportunities. 2. Kenaf Fibre: Structure and Properties 3. Adhesion Characteristics of Kenaf Fibers. 4. Kenaf Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites. 5. Effect of Silica Aerogel on Polypropylene Reinforced with Kenaf Core Fiber for Interior Automotive Components. 6. Impact of Silane Treatment on the Properties of Kenaf Fiber Unsaturated Polyester Composites. 7. Effects of Material Types on the Failure Modes Crashworthiness Parameters of Kenaf Composite Hexagonal Tubes. 8. Eco-friendly Kenaf Hybrid Materials. 9. Ballistic Properties of Hybrid Kenaf Composites. 10. Cellulose Based Composites from Kenaf Fibres. 11. Development and Characterization of Kenaf Nanocomposites. 12. Concurrent Design of Kenaf Composite Products

S.M. Sapuan is head of Laboratory of Biocomposite Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia. He earned his BEng degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Newcastle, Australia in 1990, MSc from Loughborough University, UK in 1994 and PhD from De Montfort University, UK in 1998. His research interests include natural fiber composites, materials selection and concurrent engineering. To date, he has published more than 450 journal and 450 conference papers, 12 books, 5 edited books and 50 book chapters. He has received numerous awards and honours, among others, ISESCO Science Prize in Technology, 2008; Plastic and Rubber Institute, Malaysia Fellowship Award; Kuala Lumpur Rotary Research Gold Medal Award; Alumni Award, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Khwarizmi International Award (KIA); a Leadership Award from Society of Automotive Engineers International (SAE); SAE Fellow Grade of membership and 2015/2016 grantee of SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair.

J. Sahari was a senior lecturer at the Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, University Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia since 2014. He was appointed Honorary Research Assistant in University of Liverpool, UK in 2012. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Chemistry from Universiti Putra Malaysia, Master of Science in Advanced Material Engineering from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2011 and PhD also in Advanced Material Engineering from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2013. Sahari won the Best Scientific paper and oral presentation of UPM-UniKL MICET Symposium on Polymeric Materials and the Third Postgraduate Seminar on Natural Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites 2012.

M.R. Ishak is a senior lecturer in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia since 2013. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka in 2007, and Mas